Patient Care Technician | Patient Care Assistant Headquartershttp://pctpca.com
The #1 Patient Care Technician Information SourceTue, 09 May 2017 04:39:50 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.5Patient Care Technician Salaryhttp://pctpca.com/patient-care-technician-salary/
http://pctpca.com/patient-care-technician-salary/#respondSat, 27 Jul 2013 05:56:15 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=338Show Me The Money! Let’s be honest for a moment. You probably wouldn’t be looking for a career if you didn’t need to make money. It doesn’t make you a bad person. Your desire to earn a living does not invalidate your desire to care for people in need. It is important that you understand […]

Let’s be honest for a moment. You probably wouldn’t be looking for a career if you didn’t need to make money. It doesn’t make you a bad person. Your desire to earn a living does not invalidate your desire to care for people in need. It is important that you understand the financial implications you are accepting when choosing to become a Patient Care Tech.

So let’s begin with the basics:

The average Patient Care Technician Salary (PCT) is approximately $30,000.*

That’s not bad but how does it compare with other positions?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is approximately $23,000.*

You can easily see that there is a financial advantage to seeking to enter the medical field as a PCT over a CNA.

Things that may affect your salary

Experience – Lack of experience can often be a sticking point when attempting to get your first job in the medical field. This can also be a major factor in terms of your expected starting salary. You might have to take a first job in a nursing home for $10/hour but you will want to have a plan in mind to leverage that experience in your next move before settling and only after you have exhausted all your options.

Shift Differentials – If you plan on continuing your education after becoming a PCT then night shifts may work best for you. Another added benefit is that these less popular shifts often come with a premium to your hourly rate.

Location – Certain states have higher costs of living and you can expect higher pay in some markets for this reason.

Facility/Department – If you are starting off in a nursing home instead of a hospital or clinic then you can expect to make less in most cases. Also, different departments have varying responsibilities and sometimes differing pay rates.

Specializations – From Hemodialysis Patient Care Technicians to ED Patient Care Technicians there are a range of further specializations and sometimes additional certifications that can affect your pay.

A recent survey of 81 PCTs revealed a salary range of up to $45,139**

If you want to maximize your compensation in your market then you need to make a plan! If you don’t then you might find yourself in five years either in a facility you dislike or making significantly below your potential. Perhaps both in the worst case!

Considering we have found each other here at PCTPCA.com, I doubt you will be a passive participant who misses out on the opportunities that lay ahead.

Average PCT Salary by State

Alabama

$30k

Montana

$28k

Alaska

$24k

Nebraska

$22k

Arizona

$26k

Nevada

$26k

Arkansas

$28k

New Hampshire

$29k

California

$32k

New Jersey

$32k

Colorado

$26k

New Mexico

$26k

Connecticut

$33k

New York

$36k

Delaware

$27k

North Carolina

$29k

Florida

$28k

North Dakota

$27k

Georgia

$34k

Ohio

$28k

Hawaii

$20k

Oklahoma

$27k

Idaho

$21k

Oregon

$28k

Illinois

$32k

Pennsylvania

$27k

Indiana

$29k

Rhode Island

$28k

Iowa

$28k

South Carolina

$27k

Kansas

$26k

South Dakota

$22k

Kentucky

$25k

Tennessee

$28k

Louisiana

$25k

Texas

$28k

Maine

$25k

Utah

$24k

Maryland

$30k

Vermont

$27k

Massachusetts

$35k

Virginia

$30k

Michigan

$29k

Washington

$29k

Minnesota

$26k

West Virginia

$29k

Mississippi

$33k

Wisconsin

$26k

Missouri

$29k

Wyoming

$26k

*Salary data from Indeed Salary Search. Search was performed by Job Title Only and using the terms “Patient Care Technician” and “Certified Nursing Assistant”.

]]>http://pctpca.com/patient-care-technician-salary/feed/0Patient Care Technician Responsibilitieshttp://pctpca.com/role-of-a-patient-care-technician/
http://pctpca.com/role-of-a-patient-care-technician/#respondWed, 24 Jul 2013 16:33:24 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=334In the medical field there is both increasing need and opportunity for skilled Patient Care Technicians. Whether you are seeking your first job or expanding your resume, status as a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) can be obtained in a short time frame and make a measurable difference in the lives of patients as well […]

]]>In the medical field there is both increasing need and opportunity for skilled Patient Care Technicians. Whether you are seeking your first job or expanding your resume, status as a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) can be obtained in a short time frame and make a measurable difference in the lives of patients as well as your professional and financial outlook.

Employers typically assign more technical duties to the Patient Care Techs (PCT) over Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) due to increased training and expertise. Your duties will bring you face to face with your patients utilizing the valuable skills and certifications that you have acquired in the course your training as a PCT such as EKG and Phlebotomy Technician Certifications.

As a Patient Care Technician, you will report directly to the charge nurse who might be a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or even a doctor during certain patient care.

Your role as a Patient Care Technician, within a medical team, will allow you to bring vital skills as well as your own special personal touch to the care your patients receive. With the number of baby boomer retiring and aging, you can anticipate a healthy number of job openings in a range of facilities. If you have a passion to help people and the desire to have a rewarding career, then becoming a Patient Care Technician may be a perfect fit!

]]>http://pctpca.com/role-of-a-patient-care-technician/feed/0Other Certificates That You Can Obtain As A Patient Care Technicianhttp://pctpca.com/other-certificates-that-you-can-obtain-as-a-patient-care-technician/
http://pctpca.com/other-certificates-that-you-can-obtain-as-a-patient-care-technician/#respondMon, 22 Jul 2013 06:16:30 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=234“Good day Patient Care Technician! Would you prefer to change bedpans and bedding today or help with EKGs as well as collecting blood samples and vitals?” As a Patient Care Technician, you should expect to perform all of these duties yet it is sometimes nice to have increased clinical responsibilities over housekeeping duties. Did you […]

]]>“Good day Patient Care Technician! Would you prefer to change bedpans and bedding today or help with EKGs as well as collecting blood samples and vitals?”

As a Patient Care Technician, you should expect to perform all of these duties yet it is sometimes nice to have increased clinical responsibilities over housekeeping duties.

Did you know that you could greatly increase your chances of finding a variety of jobs and increased salary potential while earning more certificates along side your Patient Care Technician certification? Training as a PCT will prepare you to obtain these additional certifications and your education program should assist you in scheduling the corresponding certification exams.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician Certification

Phlebotomy Certification

An Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician Certification prepares you to perform diagnostic tests that measure the patients heart rhythm and rate as well as process the data. These tests are performed at a doctor’s office during a physical exam, routinely at emergency rooms when a patient is experiencing chest pains, before and after operations, in nursing homes and other facilities where patients have a history of heart disease. You would also be responsible for the maintenance of the equipment.

A Phlebotomy Certification prepares you to draw and transport blood. This procedure is used in most all medical facilities including emergency rooms, hospitals and clinics, doctor offices, nursing homes, labs, Red Cross and other life saving organizations.

Special Note: A Patient Care Technician may also , in many states and facilities, be referred to as a Patient Care Associate. Some facilities that use the PCA title do not make use of a PCT’s advanced training. Ultimately, in those cases, some report little difference between their responsibilities and those of a CNA. In our opinion, you should attempt to find a facility that will allow you to practice all of your skills. However, the value of obtaining some initial experience in the field may temporarily override this concern. Most facilities clearly divide the positions of the CNAs and Patient Care Technicians. While a CNA’s responsibilities will focus more on every day care including more mundane tasks, the Patient Care Technician is often assigned more technical duties in addition to those of a CNA. In many cases, being a competent PCT can help you secure a position in your facility that allows you to use more of your advanced skills instead of performing more common daily care and housekeeping tasks. Depending on your own desires, this could lead to increased job satisfaction.

]]>http://pctpca.com/other-certificates-that-you-can-obtain-as-a-patient-care-technician/feed/0Online Patient Care Technician Programshttp://pctpca.com/study-from-home-to-become-a-certified-patient-care-technician/
http://pctpca.com/study-from-home-to-become-a-certified-patient-care-technician/#respondMon, 22 Jul 2013 06:14:16 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=232Whether you choose an online program or a more traditional option through a community college, you must be confident that your education will provide you with the necessary skills to excel as a Certified Patient Care Technician. The possibility of studying from home can be very appealing. US Career Institute offers a self-paced online program. […]

]]>Whether you choose an online program or a more traditional option through a community college, you must be confident that your education will provide you with the necessary skills to excel as a Certified Patient Care Technician. The possibility of studying from home can be very appealing. US Career Institute offers a self-paced online program. It is cheap but is it worthwhile? Should we really recommend this kind of a program to you?

Even though an online study program might seem to save you time and money in the short term, will it truly prepare you for a career in the highly competitive medical field? You are planning to commit to 4-6 months of your time and approximately 360-600 hours of classroom/clinical hours to get your Patient Care Technician certification. Shouldn’t you get your training from the best accredited school, community college, or program available? Remember that your education is a foundation that you may choose to build upon in the future. A solid program may open doors for you and inspire you to dream and aim a little higher.

A PCT requires a variety of skills that must be performed with a patient. Would not a classroom environment where you can practice with fellow students with the supervision and instruction of a teacher be more beneficial for most people? For example, can you practice checking vitals in a classroom with a greater chance of becoming proficient over watching a video or reading a lesson online?

Some Additional Thoughts:

One of the largest barriers to getting a job as a PCT is lack of experience. With a traditional program you have a chance to possibly gain some experience that you could highlight during your job search.

The classroom environment offers opportunities to network with peers, gain insight from different instructors and medical professionals.

A traditional classroom environment gives you an opportunity to make lasting friends, get references, job leads or contacts that may lead you to a job interview and possible your first job.

A structured learning environment will encourage you to stick with the program and graduate.

Would your online program help you arrange an externship or clinicals?

Put yourself in the shoes of the person making hiring decisions in a major hospital. What would you prefer in a candidate’s educational background?

Above all, do your research before enrolling in any study program. Read actual testimonies from students who have graduated from the training program. Consult family, friends and successful Certified Patient Care Technicians in your community in order to gain insight, advice, encouragement to help you will chose the right training avenues that will give you the best chance for professional success.

At this time we have not found an online program that we would recommend. Please be assured that we are not biased against the medium of online education however, we are aware that this medium has its weakness and strengths. It is our opinion that more traditional education programs can better deliver the type of hands on and individual training you will need to be successful. We do believe that it is possible to coordinate an excellent online program but such a program would not be easy to deploy on a national level. The only online classes we would recommend are those from a community college which also has a physical location and structured times to meet so that you can develop and practice skills that are difficult to learn on your couch.

We at Patient-Care-Technician.com believe you deserve to have the training that will provide a good career outcome, give you respect among other medical professionals and give your patients the very best care as a result of your knowledge and skills. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which program is best for you.

]]>http://pctpca.com/study-from-home-to-become-a-certified-patient-care-technician/feed/0How To Format A Patient Care Technician Resumehttp://pctpca.com/how-to-format-a-medical-resume-patient-care-technician/
http://pctpca.com/how-to-format-a-medical-resume-patient-care-technician/#respondMon, 22 Jul 2013 06:12:13 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=230Your resume will probably be your first line of contact between you and a perspective employer. Formatting your resume requires organization and attention to detail while typing out your career objective, education, certification and work experience. Whether you are seeking your first job as A Patient Care Technician or your fortieth highlighting your experience (even […]

]]>Your resume will probably be your first line of contact between you and a perspective employer. Formatting your resume requires organization and attention to detail while typing out your career objective, education, certification and work experience.

Whether you are seeking your first job as A Patient Care Technician or your fortieth highlighting your experience (even if this experience was obtained during your clinical) is a key factor for your perspective employer and will give you broader job opportunities in the medical field.

You can hire a resume service to create your resume, but who is better equipped to write about your experience than you. Here are some suggestion to help you get started with your resume.

It doesn’t matter if you create your resume in a Word Document, a Note Pad Document or resume software program on your personal computer. A chronological resume is the best format to use and the basics are all the same. Below gives you a guideline to follow.

Type your full name (with middle name if you have one) at the top of the page, bold the letters and center it on the page. Use an easy font to read, employers report that they like Times New Roman. Employers also report that they like 14 point font for headers and 12 point font for the body.

Under your name centered at the top type in your street address, city, state and zip.

On the next line type in your home and/or cell number below including area code.

Under this type in your email address.

At this point you should make sure that you are working from a normal page layout. Make sure that your top, bottom, right and left margins are set to 1 inch. This will work well with most printers and look very professional. As you proceed to the content in the body, don’t forget to justify the left side of your page for a more neat appearance.

Drop down 4 to 5 spaces and type in the words Career Objective: and write a clear precise sentence. (For example: Utilize my training and experience as A Patient Care Technician to work with a medial team to provide excellent patient care in a variety of medical settings).

Below the career objective type Education: Use a bulleted list in chronological order from the most recent education listed first. List your medical schools, college or technical school, place of internships, place of residency down to your high school. Beside each education listing include your class rank or GPA if high enough to boost about and follow this up with the full location address.

Next Type Work History: Use a bulleted list in chronological order from the most recent relevant work experience first. Make sure that you list your experience that is most

relevant to the job that you are applying for. Make sure to tie your experience into the known requirements of the job that you are applying. (Do your homework and research on the employer and the job position that is available). It is important to include work, internships, or clinical experience at all clinics, retirement or nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospice or emergency medical response teams, hospitals, etc.

The next section will include certifications, degrees, awards, and special skills relevant to the job that you are apply for. Create a bullet list including such certifications for electrocardiogram (EKG), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Phlebotomy (draw blood) and EMT, etc.

Special Notes:

Medical terminology is crucial to use when creating a medical related resume. Spell check for misspelled words and double check each medical term for proper usage. Enlist two friends or family members to proof read your resume. Try to choose proofreaders who might have medical terminology knowledge and resume writing skills.

When preparing for an interview be sure that you have several copies of your resume with you.

If you are providing your resume on line, in a fax or email be sure to include a professional cover letter which will introduce you and highlight some of your skills.

]]>http://pctpca.com/how-to-format-a-medical-resume-patient-care-technician/feed/0What Is The Patient Care Technician Certificate and Why Should I Obtain It?http://pctpca.com/what-is-the-patient-care-technician-certificate-and-why-should-i-obtain-it/
http://pctpca.com/what-is-the-patient-care-technician-certificate-and-why-should-i-obtain-it/#respondMon, 22 Jul 2013 06:02:48 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=227The Patient Care Technician Certificate is a valuable tool that will enable you to advance to other certificate programs and more advanced training that will enable you to move into nursing positions or even further if you desire to go higher in the medical field. Other benefits may include a variety of job opportunities, increased […]

]]>The Patient Care Technician Certificate is a valuable tool that will enable you to advance to other certificate programs and more advanced training that will enable you to move into nursing positions or even further if you desire to go higher in the medical field. Other benefits may include a variety of job opportunities, increased pay, and more job security.

The Patient Care Technician Certificate training will give you insight into whether you want to purse a higher degree in medical training before you invest 8 years or more.

Even though a Patient Care Technician is considered an entry level job in the health care field, your education, training and certification not only lets you provide basic patient care, but it allows you to take vital signs, draw blood and perform Ekgs.

Many other professional names like certified nursing assistants, health care assistants, home health aides, and hospital attendants fall within the same job description as a Patient Care Technician. This job description includes helping doctors and nurses with various patient tasks. These task can include help patients bathe and dressing for the day, help them brush their teeth or dentures, help them brush their hair, help with basic personal hygiene, help them get up and down out of chair and their bed, help them with eating, move patients to various locations like, treatment areas, therapy rooms, whirlpool baths, dayrooms and other rooms or porches for social events.

More experienced Patient Care Technicians assist physicians during patient examinations, gather data like blood pressure and weight, draw blood, and even perform some lab testing. As a Patient Care Technician you must be able to perform an , electrocardiogram (EKG), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Phlebotomy (draw blood).

To become a Patient Care Technician you will need to complete approximately 360-600 hours of classroom/clinical hours which can often be completed within 5-6 months. A two year program would get you an associates degree and you could become a RN. The CPT program is good for someone who doesn’t wish to make that commitment. The Patient Care Technician Certification Exam is offered by the National Health Career Association.

You can obtain a study guide for $40.00: http://www.atialliedhealth.com/ati_store/product.aspx?zpid=1391

Sign up for the CPCT exam for $149 today. http://www.nhanow.com/patient-care-technician.aspx

]]>http://pctpca.com/what-is-the-patient-care-technician-certificate-and-why-should-i-obtain-it/feed/0What Is A Patient Care Technician?http://pctpca.com/what-is-a-patient-care-technician/
http://pctpca.com/what-is-a-patient-care-technician/#respondMon, 22 Jul 2013 05:57:56 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=225The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing in terms of job growth and potential. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a patient care technician may provide a great opportunity for personal satisfaction and job security. Depending on your location, this position may be referred to as a patient care […]

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing in terms of job growth and potential. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a patient care technician may provide a great opportunity for personal satisfaction and job security.

Depending on your location, this position may be referred to as a patient care assistant. A PCT or PCA is a health professional that works closely with doctors and nurses and other medical staff to provide care for ill or disabled patients. The responsibility for monitoring the patient’s daily condition and providing direct care and assistance rests primarily with a nurse and a PCT, who work together to carry out physicians’ orders. Here are some examples of what a PCT may be asked to do on a typical day:

Measure and record vital signs in the patient’s chart, such as temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

Assist the patient with daily care activities such as bathing and shaving.

Monitor and record the patient’s food and liquid intake.

Collect and test urine specimens.

Perform an EKG.

Assist the patient with walking and range of motion activities.

Discontinue the patient’s IV.

Answer the patient’s call bell.

Irrigate and bandage a laceration or wound.

A patient care assistant can be employed in a number of healthcare facilities. In addition to a traditional hospital setting, they work at nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, surgical centers, dialysis clinics, burn centers and wound care facilities. Each specialty offers the PCT an opportunity to receive additional education and certification and become more involved in patient care.

In addition to the training they receive to perform direct patient care, PCTs are also trained in handling hazardous material, sanitary techniques, documentation requirements and handling medical records. They will work with housekeeping staff to make sure patients’ rooms are adequately cleaned and sterilized and that biohazards such as needles and dressings are properly contained and disposed of. They will work with nursing staff and unit clerical staff to make sure that adequate records are kept and the patient’s privacy is maintained.

Although patient care technicians work under the supervision of the nursing staff, they have the most direct interaction with their patients on a daily basis and have a lot of autonomy in carrying out their duties. Most PCTs choose this career because they have a natural affinity for people and enjoy interacting with their patients and families. They have empathy and compassion for their patients and they are able to establish good rapport with them. PCTs must be independent and show good judgment; often they are the first to respond to a patient’s call and must be able to make a quick assessment as to whether they are able to handle the situation or if other professionals should be consulted. Because PCTs spend more time directly involved in daily care, they are often most able to spot changes in a patient’s condition and bring them to the attention of nursing staff or physicians.

Patient care technicians are a valuable and important part of the patient’s care team. Becoming a PCT is a great start in the nursing pathway; many PCTs go on to earn nursing degrees. Many others, however, find it a satisfying and rewarding career because it allows more time to develop relationships with patients than many other healthcare professions.

]]>http://pctpca.com/what-is-a-patient-care-technician/feed/0Preparing For Your Job Interiewhttp://pctpca.com/preparing-for-your-job-interiew/
http://pctpca.com/preparing-for-your-job-interiew/#respondSat, 20 Jul 2013 05:14:26 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=415You may only have one brief opportunity to make a good impression and give the employer a snap shot of your experience and skills. Being prepared and going to the interview armed with questions and answers that the interviewer will most likely ask can greatly improve your chances of getting further interviews or even being […]

]]>You may only have one brief opportunity to make a good impression and give the employer a snap shot of your experience and skills. Being prepared and going to the interview armed with questions and answers that the interviewer will most likely ask can greatly improve your chances of getting further interviews or even being hired.

Enter the interview room with confidence, give a firm handshake, be relaxed but maintain proper posture, make eye contact with the interviewer. Remember common courtesies like please, thank you and you are welcome. Avoid slang and maintain a calm voice as your anxiety and nervousness will subside as you get comfortable in the interview process.

Listen carefully to each question when you are being interviewed. Stay focused and address the specific question truthfully with a relaxed, calm, informed manner.

Typically the interviewer will begin the interview by asking you to tell him or her about yourself. The interviewer needs to hear details about your past training, clinical and real work experiences, and your future plans, not your personal life. Have confidence in yourself, remember that you are trained, qualified and prepared for the Certified Patient Care Technician position.

As a Certified Patient Care Technician you might want to start with your educational information, school and date of your certification. Talk about what you learned and your plans for continued learning as you practice and your desire to a valued member of a medical team. Share you knowledge, skills and accomplishments that mirror the job description skills for the position that you are applying for.

Don’t rush into answering a question. It is alright to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts prior to answering. Keep your answers brief and to the point. Just a few succinct sentences can sum up what you have to offer and how it will benefit the employer.

Employers appreciate prepared job candidates who are honest and have question to ask at the end of the interview.

Prepare for the interview by writing down interview questions. Familiarize yourself with the main points, know your general answers, don’t memorize as the interviewer will pick up on this. Ask friends and family to help you practice the interview. Be yourself and elaborate naturally as you are speaking. If you prepare you are more likely to be relaxed, calm and self-confident walking into the interview.

Standard interview questions that you can prepare for?

Describe something about yourself.

Why are you seeking a position in the health care field as a Certified Patient Care Technician?

What promoted you to apply for the Certified Patient Care Technician job opening?

Explain what you already know about the Certified Patient Care Technician position and our organization?

Name some necessary things that you are seeking in this Certified Patient Care Technician job?

Explain why we should hire you as a Certified Patient Care Technician?

Explain how you would resolve a conflict between yourself and your co-worker?

Describe your strengths and weaknesses?

Describe your best qualities?

How do you handle yourself in a situation unfamiliar to you?

Explain how you would deal with a patient who displays anger with you?

Explain how you would respond in an emergency situation?

What were the reasons for leaving your last position?

What are your career goals in the next five years?

Are you interviewing with other facilities?

As part of good etiquette is to follow up the interview with a letter to your interviewer. This letter will show your professionalism. Sending this letter sets you apart from applicants who do not send a letter. Your thank you needs to be short and to the point. Be sure to thank your interviewer for his or her time and express enthusiasm for the Certified Patient Care Technician position.

What should you wear to the Patient Care Technician job interview?

Be prepared for this situation by dressing neat and professional. Keep in mind that your overall appearance says a great deal about you to a prospective employer. Portray professionalism and trust as you walk confidently into the room.

A dark colored skirt (not loud with wild colors or prints) or professional looking pant suit will never a bad choice. Dress slacks with a professional looking blouse (not loud with wild colors or prints) might be the right choice. Neutral colors like tan, gray, brown, black, and white are always a good choice. Make sure that your clothes are clean, neat (ironed), fit well (not binding or too loose) and comfortable.

]]>http://pctpca.com/preparing-for-your-job-interiew/feed/0Patient Care Technician Education Expenseshttp://pctpca.com/patient-care-technician-education-expenses/
http://pctpca.com/patient-care-technician-education-expenses/#respondFri, 19 Jul 2013 23:57:00 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=612The cost of becoming a Patient Care Technician varies greatly depending on which online training or technical school training you choose. Choosing the right program that fits into your time and budget is important as you will receive both classroom and hands on training in hospitals, clinics, hospices, rehabilitation centers and long term care facilities […]

]]>The cost of becoming a Patient Care Technician varies greatly depending on which online training or technical school training you choose. Choosing the right program that fits into your time and budget is important as you will receive both classroom and hands on training in hospitals, clinics, hospices, rehabilitation centers and long term care facilities for the elderly such as nursing homes. Some programs offer externships where you can earn classroom credits while working at a medical facility.

The cost seems to determined by each state. The cost can range from $1,300 – $2,500 and as high as nine grand in some cases. It is nearly impossible to nail a figure down, so research is very essential to finding a program online or training program near you that you can afford.

It is not responsible to spend 3-4 years on an over priced program. The pay differential between being a CNA and PCT is good deal and the employer will pay for the cost of the exam if you want to move from a PCT to a CNA.

Take the same money and go to Community College and earn Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree. The pay between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) is also substantial.

Keep in mind that there are some scholarship loan programs available that can delay the cost until you are working in chosen field.

You will need a high school diploma or an equivalent (GED) in order to apply for A Patient Care Technician Certification Program.

To become a Patient Care Technician you will need to complete approximately 360-600 hours of classroom/clinical hours which can often be completed within 5-6 months. A two year program would get you an associates degree and you could become a RN. The CPT program is good for someone who doesn’t wish to make that commitment. The Patient Care Technician Certification Exam is offered by the National Health Career Association.

Applicants must have the required classroom training or at least one year experience to sit for the exam. The exam consists of 200 questions and will take approximately three hours and thirty minutes to finish. Getting your certification is completely voluntary, but employers are now increasingly seeking to hire and offer more advanced training Certified Patient Care Technicians.

]]>http://pctpca.com/patient-care-technician-education-expenses/feed/0Dealing With Death And Dyinghttp://pctpca.com/dealing-with-death-and-dying/
http://pctpca.com/dealing-with-death-and-dying/#respondThu, 31 Jan 2013 03:23:07 +0000http://pctpca.com/?p=388A Certified Patient Care Technician’s professional career can be a mixture of both good and bad times as you experience the faces of life and death. Depending on the medical environment that you choose to work in you may find yourself holding a new born baby in your hands and later care for patients that […]

]]>A Certified Patient Care Technician’s professional career can be a mixture of both good and bad times as you experience the faces of life and death. Depending on the medical environment that you choose to work in you may find yourself holding a new born baby in your hands and later care for patients that are fighting with incurable diseases and are perhaps taking the last few breaths of their lives. You will find that every patient has his or her own unique way of handling death. If you work in Palliative Care (according to World Health Organization, “active total care of patients, whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment” is known as palliative care) you will need to follow proper protocol to help in get your patients through this phase.

Palliative Care includes management of physical, psychological, social, spiritual and existential needs of your patient. Understanding cultural and religious values of your patient plays an important role while giving your patient the best possible quality care during his or her time of suffering at the end of their life.
Palliative Care helps your patient and their family members in managing spiritual issues and physical pain. You will help guide them through changes during the dying process. Relieving stress for your terminally ill patient and their family members is the one main objective of this care. You need continuing education to develop the necessary skills required for providing care to terminally ill patients. As the years go by and you have gain more knowledge and experience related to dying patients, your skills and expertise will be beneficial as our society moves towards a ever larger aging population

Relieving severe physical pain and mental stress is among the most common objective in Palliative Care. Anxiety, fear, fatigue, depression and insomnia are some common factors that come into play when a patient faces intense pain. Due to pain and weakness a lot of Palliative Care patients lose their self-confidence. Your care needs to include helping the patient eliminate some of the physiological hurdles and help your patient build confidence towards his or her medical treatment. Take time to listen and be empathic towards their complaints and especially their pain.

Consider your patient’s changing moods. If he or she refuse routine care like bathing or even combing their hair, you should not try to force them. Give them some time and once their mood changes and they seem more comfortable, you can bring the topic up again. Your patient might refuse to eat or they don’t like the food on their meal tray. Be empathic and communicate with him or her the role of a proper diet in their treatment. Find out what food they prefer and inform your supervisor in case the doctor or kitchen can adjust the meals in the future.

Most of all don’t make assumptions regarding your patient’s pain or suffering. Get to know your patient and trust them to convey to you their condition and level of pain. Try different solutions to relieve their pain like a hot towel, warm blanket or warm water bottle. You chose to be a Patient Care Technician because you desire to make a difference in patients lives. Palliative Care can be a difficult part of medical care, but you and your patients can experience gratifying times together as your patient moves through the phases of his or her final days.